2025—2026学年度上学期期末考试(高一)
英 语
考试时间：120分钟 满分：150分
第一部分 听力 (共两节，满分30分)
做题时，先将答案标在试卷上。录音内容结束后，你将有两分钟的时间将试卷上的答案转
涂到答题卡上。
第一节 (共5小题；每小题1.5分，满分7.5分)
听下面5段对话。每段对话后有一个小题，从题中所给的A、B、C三个选项中选出最佳
选项。听完每段对话后，你都有10秒钟的时间来回答有关小题和阅读下一小题。每段对话读
两遍。
例: How much is the shirt
A. 19.15. B. 9.18. C. 9.15.
答案是 C。
1. What did the man forget to take
A. His clock. B. His keys. C. His lunch bag.
2. How does the woman find Parkash
A. He is humorous. B. He is good at learning. C. He always thinks too much.
3. What is the relationship between the speakers
A. Family members. B. Good friends. C. Co-workers.
4. What is the conversation mainly about
A. A park. B. A show. C. Chinese culture.
5. Why is Mike very cheerful today
A. His team won a basketball match.
B. He has finished the entrance exams.
C. He can study at his dream university.
第二节 (共15小题;每小题1.5分,满分22.5分)
听下面5段对话或独白。每段对话或独白后有几个小题，从题中所给的A、B、C三个选
项中选出最佳选项。听每段对话或独白前，你将有时间阅读各个小题，每小题5秒钟；听完后，
各小题将给出5秒钟的作答时间。每段对话或独白读两遍。
听第6段材料，回答第6、7题。
6. Whose performance impressed the woman most
A. A magician's. B. A host's. C. A little girl's.
7. How many times did the little girl nod in 15 seconds
A. 17 times. B.27 times. C.35 times.
英语 第 1 页 ( 共 1 0 页 )
听第7段材料，回答第8、9题。
8. Where does the woman strongly suggest the man go
A. To Sagrada Família. B. To Picasso Museum. C. To Park Güell.
9. How long does the man plan to spend in Sitges
A. Five days. B. Three days. C. Two days.
听第8段材料，回答第10至 12题。
10. Which of the following do the speakers both need
A. Milk. B. Carrots. C. Apples.
11. What is the woman's daughter crazy about
A. Tomato sauce. B. Pasta. C. Chips.
12. What is the man likely to do next
A. Pay the bill. B. Pick some milk. C. Buy some fruits.
听第9段材料，回答第13 至 16题。
13. What animal is Coco
A. A dog. B. A parrot. C. A cat.
14. What is Sunny like in the woman's opinion
A. Smart. B. Curious. C. Friendly.
15. What happened to the woman yesterday
A. She lost a concert ticket.
B. She got bitten by a rabbit.
C. Her phone stopped working.
16. What do the speakers decide to do at last
A. Look up animal-related idioms.
B. Observe some animals.
C. Make a shopping list.
听第10段材料，回答第17至 20题。
17. Why did Mateo start the recycling program
A. To protect the environment.
B. To support a baseball team.
C. To help his father out.
18. What major achievement has Mateo's recycling program got
A. It won a national award.
B. It collected 350,000 bottles.
C. It benefited at least 50 local youth groups.
19. When was Mateo awarded a Gloria Barron Prize
A. In 2020. B. In 2023. C. In 2025.
20. What did Mateo encourage people to do in the end
A. Be creative and take action.
B. Be open to others' advice.
C. Be one's own hero.
英语 第 2 页 ( 共 1 0 页 )
第二部分 阅读(共两节，满分50分)
第一节 (共15小题;每小题2.5分,满分37.5分)
阅读下列短文，从每题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中选出最佳选项。
A
Over the centuries, we have discovered more about our world, and think that everything that
could be discovered already has been. But the truth is that the world holds many more secrets waiting
to be revealed. Here are four places that have yet to be opened up completely.
The Mariana Trench
The deepest and darkest place in the ocean is the 11,000-meter-deep Mariana Trench. Due to
cold temperatures and huge water pressure, the deep ocean is totally unfriendly to humans. Although
technological advances have led to the discovery of many new varieties of deep-sea animals on the
ocean floor, there is a lot more to be learned.
The Amazon rainforest
The Amazon rainforest is said to make up around 50% of all of the rainforests in the world.
Interest in its climate and resources has resulted in certain explorations. However, due to the extreme
difficulty in getting to and entering the region, full exploration of it has been almost impossible. Up to
now,2.5 million insect species and 400,000 plant species have been officially documented.
Greenland
About 81% of Greenland is covered in ice, so it is almost completely unpopulated. Greenland
has only been explored to a limited extent, as the climate is quite unsuitable for human life. Although
research explorations are currently being carried out, the most interesting research in Greenland might
tell us more about the past than the present.
Deserts
It is almost impossible to survive long periods of time in the desert. Thus, desert explorations
have frequently had terrible results - many people are known to have died on such explorations. It
is unclear whether anything of particular interest would be uncovered by further research into deserts,
although there are animal and plant species there which are special.
21. Why is the Amazon rainforest not fully explored
A. Unclear research results.
B. Difficulty in reaching the region.
C. The unwelcoming environments.
D. Lack of interest in its climate and resources.
22. Which of the four locations may provide more information of the past
A. The Mariana Trench. B. The Amazon rainforest.
C. Deserts. D. Greenland.
23. Where is the text probably taken from
A. A news report. B. A club poster.
C. A book review. D. A science magazine.
英语 第 3 页 ( 共 1 0 页 )
B
In the medieval(中世纪的) hillside village of Scanno, Italy, 94-year-old Margherita Cialletta
has spent over seven decades wearing her community's centuries-old traditional dress - a dark
wool gown with long sleeves and a cotton headscarf. "I' ve always liked this dress;I am proud to wear
it," she told reporters, even when her husband once disagreed. After her two sisters, who also dressed
traditionally, passed away, she became the last person in Scanno to keep this daily custom alive.
A lifelong resident of Scanno, she has lived in the same stone house since 1950. At 94, she still
manages life independently: cleaning her garden, cooking local cuisines like handmade pasta, and
taking walks. Her devotion turned her into a local icon(偶像) nicknamed"L' Ultima Regina"("the
Last Queen"), drawing tourists' eagerness to take her photo. She welcomes most but admits crowds
can make her angry, with family members occasionally having to manage crowds.
Over the years, Ciarletta has watched Scanno change. Like many suburban towns, its population
has fallen from 4,000 to 1,600 as families left for cities. She misses the old community but embraces
modern comfort,The lifestyle I lead now is way better... I'm happy with my life.
Beyond protecting cultural heritage, her story shines for its life attitude: a firm devotion to what
she values, gentle insistence in face of change, and satisfaction that balances tradition and the present.
She stands as a timeless example of living with purpose and grace.
24. What is special about Ciarletta
A. She is the busiest person of her family.
B. She is the only person to wear the traditional dress.
C. She is the last person to live in the village of Scanno, Italy.
D. She is the oldest resident of the traditional village of Italy.
25. What made Ciarletta a local icon
A. Her old age. B. Her values. C. Her devotion. D. Her popularity.
26. Which of the following best describes Margherita Ciarletta
A. Romantic and hard-working. B. Curious and easy-going.
C. Honest and kind-hearted. D. Independent and open-minded.
27. What is the text mainly about
A. An old lady keeping a tradition alive.
B. A family maintaining a centuries-old custom.
C. A medieval village of Italy drawing attention.
D. A centuries-old traditional dress gaining popularity.
C
In an age where we can download a book in seconds or order a novel online with a single click,
local bookstores might seem like things of the past. But walk into Powell's City of Books - a
50-year-old institution with miles of shelves and cozy reading corners - and you' ll see why these
英语 第 4 页 ( 共 1 0 页 )
stores are still thriving (兴旺发达的). Local bookstores offer something that e-books and online
retailers can't.
Powell's is more than just a place to buy books. It hosts weekly book clubs where readers
discuss everything from classic literature to contemporary fiction. Local authors often stop by for
book signings. The staff offer personalized recommendations on their own love of books. "A
customer told me she loved historical fiction set in Japan," said Maria, a Powell's employee of 10
years. "I recommended'Pachinko' by Min Jin Lee, and she came back the next day to thank me,
saying it was one of the best books she'd ever read."
This kind of connection is what keeps people coming back to local bookstores. They are spaces
for slow, intentional reading. Local bookstores often serve as the heart of the community - hosting
story time for kids, fundraisers for local schools, and events that bring neighbors together.
Of course, local bookstores face real challenges. Rising rent and competition from online giants
like Amazon make it hard for small businesses to survive. But many are finding ways to adapt. Some
offer subscription services, where customers get a new book each month based on their interests.
Others partner with local schools and libraries to host events. And more and more readers are
choosing to shop locally.
A 2025 survey found that 78 percent of readers feel a"personal connection" to their local
bookstore. In a world that's increasingly digital and disconnected, local bookstores remind us of the
joy of holding a physical book, talking to a fellow reader, and being part of something bigger than
ourselves. They' re not just stores - they' re treasures that help keep our communities and our love
of reading alive.
28. What is the function of the first paragraph
A. To set an example. B. To explain an idea.
C. To introduce the topic. D. To provide the details.
29. Why does the author mention an employee recommending books
A. To show customers trust in Powell Bookstore.
B. To show staff's personal preference for books.
C. To show activities that draw the public attention.
D. To show bookstores are not just a place to buy books.
30. What challenge do local bookstores face
A. The increase in house rent.
B. Customers' various interests.
C. The influence of local communities.
D. Competition among local bookstores.
31. According to the last paragraph, what might be an example of"personal connection"
A. Reading books online. B. Talking to other readers.
C. Joining a local community. D. Buying more books.
英语 第 5 页 ( 共 1 0 页 )
D
Growing up, I avoided team sports at all costs. Eye-hand coordination(协调) just isn't my
strength. Plus, I am extremely afraid of competition. Pair the two together and sport became a source
of disappointment rather than fun. But recent studies have made me rethink that attitude. It turns out
that group exercise, may be better for our health than working out alone.
A 2023 analysis found that participating in sport is linked with lower stress, less anxiety and
better mental health. And these effects were especially pronounced in team sports. The social aspect
may also enhance sport's physical benefits with more likelihood of showing up. In a 2024 study, more
than 770 participants received a cash reward each day they visited the gym. But some of them also
had to bring a friend to cash in. These people turned up about 35 percent more frequently than those
who could arrive.
Another research has revealed that this enjoyment might even improve performance. One study.
of people who took part in free communal runs found that those who did so with friends and family
felt more energized and ran faster. Research into competitive rowers, meanwhile, discovered that
those who looked at a photo of a loved one while rowing could exercise for about 20 per cent longer
than those staring at a stranger's photo.
The phenomenon is probably related to how we process fatigue (疲劳). It is our brain, not our
muscles, that ultimately generates feelings of exhaustion. Fatigue is protective; it stops us from
pushing beyond our physical limit and risking injury. So exercising with a buddy could signal to our
brain that we are safe, allowing us to exercise longer.
I find this comforting. It has also helped me to focus on the cooperative aspect of sports, instead
of their competitive side. I am running a half-marathon with my best friend soon and she has
suggested we run side by side. I think that may be just what I need to help me cross the finish line.
32. Why did the author avoid team sports
A. He was not good at sports and feared competition.
B. He had poor eyesight and lacked competitive spirits.
C. He didn't do well in competition and was frustrated by it.
D. He preferred doing sports on his own and disliked teamwork.
33. What is the possible meaning of"cash in" in paragraph 2
A. Raise money. B. Make a fortune.
C. Get a cash reward. D. Give money to the friend.
34. What can we learn about fatigue from paragraph 4
A. Working out alone prevents us from fatigue.
B. Fatigue can push us beyond our physical limit.
C. It is our muscles that tell us we suffer from fatigue.
D. Fatigue is a state of mind protecting us from getting injured.
35. Which is the best title for the text
A. Let's Start Doing Sports B. Stop Working Out by Yourself
C. Pay Regular Visits to Gyms D. Go for Competitive Sports
英语 第6页(共10页)
第二节 (共5小题；每小题2.5分，满分12.5分)
阅读下面短文，从短文后的选项中选出能填入空白处的最佳选项。选项中有两项为多余选
项。
Everybody wants a healthy relationship with their dad. When your dad is happy with you, you' ll
get the best treatment from him and most likely be happy too. 36 . By focusing on the way
you interact with your dad and the things you do in life, you can achieve a happy family relationship.
Spend time with him. It can be difficult to spend time with your dad, especially during school
days as your schedule is busy and your dad is at work. Making that extra effort to spend time with
him and share your opinions and thoughts will strengthen the bond between you. 37 . This can
be a great time to talk and discuss the events of the day, anything that you' re worried about or
anything that's important. If your dad shares things too, show him you were listening by asking him
about it later.
Ask him for advice. Consider asking your dad for advice on school work or friendships or
matters of finance if you have or are seeking a job. This will show him his opinion matters. 38 , he
can still give you advice on how to approach it or where you can best learn how to approach it.
Show affection. 39 . Speak to him in caring words, in a warm tone of voice, or show him
affection through hugs and kisses. Some dads don't like being too affectionate and even you might
find it strange to be physically affectionate. Know that caring human touch is a basic need.
40 . It can be difficult not to answer back, especially if you don't agree with something
your dad is saying or if he' s not granting you permission for something you desperately want.
Exercise some self-discipline and wait to have a discussion when you' re calm. If you' re feeling angry,
take slow, deep breaths to help you calm down. If you can, sit down and have a drink of cool water.
This should help you calm down.
A. Respect him even if you disagree
B. Show your dad that you love him
C. Give yourself a few minutes before decision
D. Try to have at least one meal with him in a day
E. However, it can be difficult to please your father
F. If your father has encountered similar situations
G. Even if your dad doesn't have experience with a certain situation
第三部分 语言运用(共两节，满分30分)
第一节 (共15小题；每小题1分，满分15分)
英语 第7页(共10页)
阅读下面短文，从每题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。
In a heartwarming act of generosity(慷慨), a stranger stepped in to cover the cost of an unclaimed(未认
领的) pizza order at PizzAroma, 41 a disappointing situation into a story of 42 .
The incident began when a woman called PizzAroma and 43 16 pizzas for pick-up the
next day. The next day came, and she never 44 . The pizza had to be thrown away, leaving the
small business with a significant 45 . "I can't see why someone would do that to anybody, let
alone a small business," the manager Keefer told a local TV station, 46 on the trouble the
incident caused. Keefer received another call for a large order. This time, the caller had an unexpected
request - he wanted to 47 for the 16 pizzas that were never picked up. Keefer was initially
doubtful, fearing a 48 of the previous experience. However, when the man offered to pay
over the phone, Keefer realized this was no 49 .
The generous 50 was Travis, who had learned about PizzAroma' s difficulty. With a
background in the pizza industry and a deep sense of 51 for the help he had received during
52 times, Travis felt urgent to lend a hand.
"I have a lot of gratitude to people who have helped me out in similar 53 where I was in
need and they helped me 54 ." Travis said, "Any time you can 55 a wrong, when you
have the ability, why not do it "
41. A. changing B. breaking C. dividing D. translating
42. A. honesty B. patience C. attraction D. kindness
43. A. made B. chose C. ordered D. received
44. A. got through B. came across C. turned down D. showed up
45. A. gap B. scar C. loss D. panic
46. A. relying B. living C. reflecting D. depending
47. A. pay B. offer C. charge D. spend
48. A. stage B. repeat C. process D. memory
49. A. trick B. track C. style D. danger
50. A. waiter B. caller C. reporter D. manager
51. A. humor B. gratitude C. achievement D. responsibility
52. A. hard B. brave C. special D. ordinary
53. A. directions B. situations C. impressions D. instructions
54. A. eventfully B. regularly C. unconditionally D. unwillingly
55. A. slow B. close C. near D. right
英语 第8页(共10页)
第二节 (共10小题；每小题1.5分，满分15分)
阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。
On July 11,2025, the Xixia Imperial Tombs(帝陵) were 56 (official) added to the
UNESCO World Heritage List during the 47th World Heritage Committee meeting in Paris. This
57 (recognize) marks China's 60th World Heritage site, highlighting their unusual value to
human civilization(文明).
Located at the eastern foot of the Helan Mountains in Yinchuan, Ningxia, the site 58 (cover)
nearly 40 square kilometers. It includes nine imperial tombs, ruins of ancient buildings, 59 a
good 1,000-year-old flood-control system. These tombs belong 60 the Xixia Dynasty
(1038-1227), founded by the Tangut people.
UNESCO recognized the site for showing cultural exchange. The tomb designs reflect the
dynasty' s role as 61 cultural bridge along the ancient Silk Road. China began preparing the World
Heritage in 2011. At the Paris meeting, the decision was approved in just nine minutes, 62 (show)
strong international support.
This milestone ensures our cultural treasures are protected for future 63 (generation).
The honour not only celebrates China's rich history but also calls on everyone 64 (protect)
the human heritage. Now it stands as a symbol of China' s rich cultural heritage, 65 reminds
us to protect such sites.
第四部分 写作(共两节，满分40分)
第 一 节 ( 满 分 1 5 分 )
假定你是李华，一名在英国高中读书的中国交换生。你所在的学校将举办一个介绍各国传
统节日的征文活动，请你写一篇短文投稿介绍中国的春节，内容包括：
1.春节的意义和习俗；
2.你对春节的感受。
注意：
1.写作词数应为80个左右；
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
The Spring Festival
英语 第 9 页 ( 共 1 0 页 )
第二节 (满分25分)
阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段，使之构成一篇完整的短文。
I am the Pine Tree
There is an award-winning painting of a pine tree by me on the wall of my bedroom. It has
strong and straight branches and the upper ones lifted gently toward the sun. More impressively, the
tree's roots grow and reach outward. I have been keeping it, as it sees my change.
I have been quite into painting, and in the 8th grade, there was a five-day art camp I had been
looking forward to. So I asked my friend Mandy to attend it with me. However, she said, "Tessa,
you' re the artist." She smiled. "My little brother thought the roses I painted were rocket ships.""You
may not think you can draw, but you can learn," I said in my most encouraging voice. I really didn't
want to go alone. Mandy giggled but refused.
Later, I called my friends Emily and Yoshiko. Yoshiko was going to the fair, and Emily would be
out of town in July. I sighed and dropped my head down. I thought about the art camp and wished I
was a little braver. Mandy could make friends with a whole busload of kids in 10 minutes, but there
were butterflies in my stomach when I didn't know anyone around me. "What's wrong " Mom asked.
"None of my friends are going to the camp with me." I whispered sadly. She knew I had a hard time
jumping into something with no familiar faces around. "Maybe next year." I sighed, "I'm going
outside to draw the Westons' pine tree."
By the time I started sketching, I had made myself believe that I was happy not to attend the
camp. I was so focused that I didn't notice my mother's coming. "My girl, you' ve done a great job
catching the strength of that tree on paper." Mom said excitedly, "but I have planted pine trees before,
when I worked for the park. So you have to spread out the roots near the surface so that the tree can
get enough water and grow tall. If you plant the root too deep, the tree withers(凋零). My girl, you
can also try to grow out of your comfort zone (舒适区)." She looked at me purposefully and then
returned to the house.
注意：
1.续写词数应为150个左右；
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
Suddenly I realized if I wanted to grow, I had to grow out.
My application for the art camp was successful and the five days saw my growth.
英语 第10页(共10页)
英语试题参考答案
第一部分 听力（共 20 小题；每小题 1.5 分，满分 30 分）
1-5.BACBC 6-10 CBACB 11-15ABAAC 16-20 ABCBA
第二部分 阅读（共 20 小题；每小题 2.5 分，满分 50 分）
第一节 21-23 BDD 24-27 BCDA 28-31 CDAB 32-35 ACDB
第二节 36-40 EDGBA
第三部分 语言运用
第一节 完形填空（共 15 小题；每小题 1分，满分 15 分）
41-45. ADCDC 46-50. CABAB 51-55. BABCD
第二节 （共 10 小题；每小题 1.5 分，满分 15 分）
56. officially 57. recognition 58. covers 59. and 60. to
61. a 62. showing 63. generations 64. to protect 65. which
第四部分 写作（共 40 分）
第一节（满分 15 分）
The Spring Festival
The Spring Festival is the most important traditional festival celebrating the coming of a
new year with hopes for good fortune and prosperity.
During this festive occasion, family member will return to their homes wherever they are
to enjoy a big family reunion. People will decorate their windows with posters or paper cutting,
set off fireworks, and put up couplets on their doors. The Spring Festival family dinner, where
family members sit around the tables, enjoying dumplings and making toast to each other, is of
great value to all the Chinese people.
I love the Spring Festival not only because I get some lucky money, but also because it’s a
time to build a stronger bond of a family.
第二节 （满分 25 分）
Suddenly I realized if I wanted to grow, I had to grow out. I was planting myself into one
deep spot because it felt safer. Although I wasn’t like Mandy who was popular and outgoing, I
shouldn’t let my fear stop my pursuit of something I really liked. I stood up, went into the
house and said determinedly to Mom, “I will attend the camp by myself!” Mom looked me in
my eye, full of love and encouragement, saying, “Like the powerful tall pine in our yard, you
can always reach unfamiliar places to make yourself stronger.” Then I picked up my pen and
filled in the application, expecting eagerly to be admitted.
My application for the art camp was successful and the five days saw my growth. At the
very beginning, I wasn’t brave enough to communicate with unfamiliar faces. Every time, I
wanted to quit, the image of the pine tree kept popping up in my mind, which inspired me to
make friends with shared interest. And my painting of the pine and the story behind it won a lot
of attention and even an award. That camp turned out to be a milestone in my growth — “I am
stretching my roots out into new earth so I can grow.” I thought, “I am the pine tree.”
听力原文：
Text 1
M: Hey, why are you back Did you forget to clock off
W: No, I left my lunch bag on my office desk. I’m so forgetful.
M: That happens. I forgot my keys last week and even left my phone on the desk once.
Text 2
W: Parkash brings happiness wherever he is. He can always make us laugh.
M: I agree. Besides, he’s good at learning, and he can think about things in a logical way.
Text 3
M: I haven’t seen my children for a week. I’m aching for home.
W: I know how you feel. I also miss my friends. The boss promised us that we can have a long
vacation after this business trip.
Text 4
M: I went to a photography show at a nearby park yesterday.
W: What’s it about
M: It focuses on the changes in China over these years, covering various aspects like
technology, culture, and people’s daily lives.
W: Sounds great!
Text 5
W: Mike seems very happy today. Did he get a ticket to the basketball match
M: No. He got admitted to his dream university. He studied hard for the entrance exams.
W: Oh, that explains it.
Text 6
M: The 2025 Spring Festival Gala was really amazing, wasn’t it I like the magic show best!
The magician really did a great job.
W: I think that little girl who kept nodding stole the show. I couldn’t take my eyes off her.
M: I know! She was cute. While the host was talking, she kept nodding. She nodded 27 times
in 15 seconds.
W: She really made the gala more interesting.
M: Yeah, many people called her “the most dedicated young performer”.
Text 7
M: I’m going to Spain for a business trip next month and I have five days for travelling. You’re
from Spain. Can you give me some tips
W: Sure! You can visit Barcelona first and spend three days there. I highly recommend you to
visit Sagrada Família. Its unique architecture is impressive. Pak Güell and Picasso Museum
are also well worth visiting.
M: Sounds nice. What else
W: Then, you can take a thirty-minute train ride to Sitges to enjoy its beautiful beaches in the
following two days.
M: That’s a great plan! Thanks a ton.
Text 8
W: Hey, Ethan! What are you getting today
M: Hi, Sarah! I’m getting some milk and bread. How about you
W: I need to buy some fruits and vegetables. I think I’ll pick some apples and carrots.
M: Sounds healthy! I’ll also get some carrots. My wife needs them for the salad. Do you want
to buy some snacks
W: Sure, I love chips.
M: I have a sweet tooth, so maybe I’ll get some chocolate for myself. And I’ll get some cookies
for my son.
W: Good choice! Well, here is the pasta I need for dinner and a jar of tomato sauce for my
daughter. She’s crazy about it.
M: Anyway, I’ll get some milk and bread first.
W: OK.
Text 9
M: Linda, do you have any pets at home
W: Yes, I have a pet dog named Coco. He makes my life full of fun. I also have a parrot named
Sunny. He is smart and can imitate lots of sounds.
M: Cool! I read a magazine just now. There are some really interesting animal-related idioms in
it, like “Barking dogs seldom bite”.
W: Coco seldom barks, except when he sees strangers. I think he is generally friendly.
M: That’s lovely. There’s also “Curiosity killed the cat”. It reminds us not to be overly curious.
W: So true! I clicked on a link that promised free concert tickets yesterday, and my phone
suddenly stopped working. It’s like the idiom was warning us about this kind of risk. Hey,
since we’re both interested in animal-related idioms, shall we look up more about other
animals We can make a list.
M: Sounds perfect. We can divide the work. You search for the idioms about lions. And I’ll
look for those about other animals like horses and rabbits. Then we can share them with
each other and discuss how they apply to real-life situations.
W: Deal!
Text 10
W: Recycling is good for the environment. It can also benefit a community in surprising
ways. Mateo Lange, 15, knows this well. On weekends, you’ll find him sorting through glass
and plastic bottles in his hometown of Indian River, Michigan, where he leads a community
recycling program.
Mateo started the program in 2020. He was 11 and in the sixth grade, playing baseball
with the Northern Michigan Cyclones. The team was new and needed money to travel to
competitions. Mateo got a plan.
“There were always cans and bottles on the road,” he told TIME for Kids. In Michigan,
these can be collected and “become” cash. With his father’s help, Mateo started a bottle and
can drive. It raised $7,500. “We built up so much money in just a few weeks,” he said. “So
I said, ‘Why don’t we keep this going as long as we can ’” Since then, his recycling effort
has raised $350,000 and helped at least 50 local youth groups.
In 2023, Mateo was awarded a Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes. The award
honors kids and teens who are working to help others and protect the planet. Mateo believes
everyone can — and should — be of service. “Just do a little bit to help make the world a
better place,” he said. “Be creative, have an idea and build on it.”
